Jeni Tennison
@jenitennison.com
Data nerd/wonk. Founder of Connected by Data, campaigning for communities to have a powerful say over data and AI.
Into trans rights, neurodiversity, board games, lego, dogs, spreadsheets.
www.jenitennison.com
Into trans rights, neurodiversity, board games, lego, dogs, spreadsheets.
www.jenitennison.com
We @connectedbydata.org are planning a conference next year (early March, in Manchester) about people, power and participation in (public sector) data and AI.
If you were coming, who would you really like to hear from as a keynote speaker to kick off the day?
If you were coming, who would you really like to hear from as a keynote speaker to kick off the day?
November 11, 2025 at 9:08 AM
We @connectedbydata.org are planning a conference next year (early March, in Manchester) about people, power and participation in (public sector) data and AI.
If you were coming, who would you really like to hear from as a keynote speaker to kick off the day?
If you were coming, who would you really like to hear from as a keynote speaker to kick off the day?
Use of AI shaping up to be a culture war issue?
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
‘It shows such a laziness’: why I refuse to date someone who uses ChatGPT
It’s the ultimate ick: trying to form a deep, lasting connection with a person who outsources original thought
www.theguardian.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Use of AI shaping up to be a culture war issue?
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
Well this by @eric-reinhart.com is excellent.
I was struck by the way he describes patients coming for consultations having rehearsed and refined their stories using ChatGPT.
And how he describes the meaning in silences that don't make it into transcriptions.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...
I was struck by the way he describes patients coming for consultations having rehearsed and refined their stories using ChatGPT.
And how he describes the meaning in silences that don't make it into transcriptions.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...
What we lose when we surrender care to algorithms | Eric Reinhart
A dangerous faith in AI is sweeping American healthcare – with consequences for the basis of society itself
www.theguardian.com
November 9, 2025 at 6:52 PM
Well this by @eric-reinhart.com is excellent.
I was struck by the way he describes patients coming for consultations having rehearsed and refined their stories using ChatGPT.
And how he describes the meaning in silences that don't make it into transcriptions.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...
I was struck by the way he describes patients coming for consultations having rehearsed and refined their stories using ChatGPT.
And how he describes the meaning in silences that don't make it into transcriptions.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...
Reposted by Jeni Tennison
"Lib Dem peer Tim Clement–Jones has asked the government in a written parliamentary question to explain why it had “not published the business case and data protection impact assessments”. Malevolent idiocy affecting 23,500 families, 100,000 people #Robodebt
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
HMRC trial of child benefit crackdown wrongly suspected fraud in 46% of cases
Exclusive: Almost half of families flagged as emigrants based on Home Office travel data were still living in UK
www.theguardian.com
November 9, 2025 at 6:15 PM
"Lib Dem peer Tim Clement–Jones has asked the government in a written parliamentary question to explain why it had “not published the business case and data protection impact assessments”. Malevolent idiocy affecting 23,500 families, 100,000 people #Robodebt
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by Jeni Tennison
EXCL: Home Office travel records used in controversial anti-fraud crackdown were so flawed that almost half of families initially flagged as emigrated still lived in UK - Luke Butterly &
@lisaocarroll.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
@lisaocarroll.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
HMRC trial of child benefit crackdown wrongly suspected fraud in 46% of cases
Exclusive: Almost half of families flagged as emigrants based on Home Office travel data were still living in UK
www.theguardian.com
November 9, 2025 at 5:26 PM
EXCL: Home Office travel records used in controversial anti-fraud crackdown were so flawed that almost half of families initially flagged as emigrated still lived in UK - Luke Butterly &
@lisaocarroll.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
@lisaocarroll.bsky.social
www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
What's this? @audreyt.org and @caroline-green1.bsky.social bringing together care ethics and AI alignment? Sounds right up my street.
6pack.care
6pack.care
6-Pack of Care — Institute for Ethics in AI
6pack.care
November 9, 2025 at 12:34 PM
What's this? @audreyt.org and @caroline-green1.bsky.social bringing together care ethics and AI alignment? Sounds right up my street.
6pack.care
6pack.care
Reposted by Jeni Tennison
“Though [CFO] Friar later walked back her suggestion, saying that she was advocating for structural support for AI in general, not just her company, it is likely true that some kind of huge subsidy or another is probably the only way that OpenAI’s preposterous business model […] can be sustained.”
“OpenAI is getting ready to run hat in hand to the taxpayer for subsidies.” After losing more than $13 billion this year, OpenAI officials are angling for a bailout. From @ryanlcooper.com:
trib.al/CUazMCQ
trib.al/CUazMCQ
OpenAI Is Maneuvering for a Government Bailout - The American Prospect
For artificial intelligence to ever pencil out, some truly enormous revenue streams will be required. And if you need trillions of dollars for data centers forever, there’s only one entity to turn to: Uncle Sam.
trib.al
November 9, 2025 at 7:07 AM
“Though [CFO] Friar later walked back her suggestion, saying that she was advocating for structural support for AI in general, not just her company, it is likely true that some kind of huge subsidy or another is probably the only way that OpenAI’s preposterous business model […] can be sustained.”
Reposted by Jeni Tennison
Are we approaching a Turing Test for Teaching? A deep dive into the evidence on AI tutoring. carlhendrick.substack.com/p/the-algori...
November 8, 2025 at 8:44 AM
Are we approaching a Turing Test for Teaching? A deep dive into the evidence on AI tutoring. carlhendrick.substack.com/p/the-algori...
Tiny bit of the story, but I'd love to know more about the software failure this piece mentions. If it's this Calculate Release Dates Service, it was winning prizes in June.
(Once again I long, hopelessly, for a culture of learning, not blame.)
www.version1.com/blog/calcula...
(Once again I long, hopelessly, for a culture of learning, not blame.)
www.version1.com/blog/calcula...
November 8, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Tiny bit of the story, but I'd love to know more about the software failure this piece mentions. If it's this Calculate Release Dates Service, it was winning prizes in June.
(Once again I long, hopelessly, for a culture of learning, not blame.)
www.version1.com/blog/calcula...
(Once again I long, hopelessly, for a culture of learning, not blame.)
www.version1.com/blog/calcula...
Reposted by Jeni Tennison
I have five tickets for Starlight Express TODAY at 14:30 (theatre is near Wembley). If you can use all / any please shout - would love them not to go to waste. 🚂💫
November 8, 2025 at 10:06 AM
I have five tickets for Starlight Express TODAY at 14:30 (theatre is near Wembley). If you can use all / any please shout - would love them not to go to waste. 🚂💫
Reposted by Jeni Tennison
Yet more #openaddresses for UK housing stock:
Wiltshire Council has released its Council Tax address list for re-use as #opendata under the Open Government Licence www.owenboswarva.com/blog/post-ad...
Thanks @wiltscouncil.bsky.social!
Geocoded in CSV and GeoJson formats
#FOI #localgov #proptech
Wiltshire Council has released its Council Tax address list for re-use as #opendata under the Open Government Licence www.owenboswarva.com/blog/post-ad...
Thanks @wiltscouncil.bsky.social!
Geocoded in CSV and GeoJson formats
#FOI #localgov #proptech
November 8, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Yet more #openaddresses for UK housing stock:
Wiltshire Council has released its Council Tax address list for re-use as #opendata under the Open Government Licence www.owenboswarva.com/blog/post-ad...
Thanks @wiltscouncil.bsky.social!
Geocoded in CSV and GeoJson formats
#FOI #localgov #proptech
Wiltshire Council has released its Council Tax address list for re-use as #opendata under the Open Government Licence www.owenboswarva.com/blog/post-ad...
Thanks @wiltscouncil.bsky.social!
Geocoded in CSV and GeoJson formats
#FOI #localgov #proptech
An interesting point at the Data and AI CSO Network this week was the distinction between "digital inclusion by getting everyone to adopt digital" and "digital inclusion by providing non-digital alternatives".
The first is impossible, the second shows the limits of the digitalness of digital ID.
The first is impossible, the second shows the limits of the digitalness of digital ID.
Josh Simons, the junior minister responsible for digital ID (and former Labour Together director) has promised govt will embark on “the largest ever digital inclusion programme ever delivered in this country" to deliver digital ID. www.publictechnology.net/2025/11/05/s...
Government ‘considering physical alternatives’ for those unable access digital ID
Ministers reveal that the digitally excluded may be able to use familiar locations on the high street to obtain a more traditional ID card that could be kept in wallets
Government is exploring ...
www.publictechnology.net
November 8, 2025 at 8:56 AM
An interesting point at the Data and AI CSO Network this week was the distinction between "digital inclusion by getting everyone to adopt digital" and "digital inclusion by providing non-digital alternatives".
The first is impossible, the second shows the limits of the digitalness of digital ID.
The first is impossible, the second shows the limits of the digitalness of digital ID.
Reposted by Jeni Tennison
what a brilliant essay. amongst many other things, i’m definitely having “thick” and “thin” construction🧎
November 8, 2025 at 8:16 AM
what a brilliant essay. amongst many other things, i’m definitely having “thick” and “thin” construction🧎
Reposted by Jeni Tennison
Please read this statement by Anne Health.
Trans children are being subjected by Sussex NHS to the physical torture of being forcibly detransitioned.
This is unnecessary cruelty and in my view constitutes torture, violence and child abuse on the part of NHS Sussex.
Trans children are being subjected by Sussex NHS to the physical torture of being forcibly detransitioned.
This is unnecessary cruelty and in my view constitutes torture, violence and child abuse on the part of NHS Sussex.
Anne Health response: NHS Sussex Investigation into WellBN GP Practice - Anne Healthcare
We are deeply concerned by the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s updated Code of Practice which has been sent to Secretary of State, Bridget Philipson, this week.While presented as clarification,...
anne.health
November 8, 2025 at 7:19 AM
Please read this statement by Anne Health.
Trans children are being subjected by Sussex NHS to the physical torture of being forcibly detransitioned.
This is unnecessary cruelty and in my view constitutes torture, violence and child abuse on the part of NHS Sussex.
Trans children are being subjected by Sussex NHS to the physical torture of being forcibly detransitioned.
This is unnecessary cruelty and in my view constitutes torture, violence and child abuse on the part of NHS Sussex.
This fantastic paper "proposes a vision of AI that embraces local vernaculars, the multiplicity of objectives, the responsibilities that come with producing persons, and the potential of instigating rather than circumventing political contestation."
read.dukeupress.edu/public-cultu...
read.dukeupress.edu/public-cultu...
From Thin to Thick | Public Culture | Duke University Press
read.dukeupress.edu
November 8, 2025 at 7:54 AM
This fantastic paper "proposes a vision of AI that embraces local vernaculars, the multiplicity of objectives, the responsibilities that come with producing persons, and the potential of instigating rather than circumventing political contestation."
read.dukeupress.edu/public-cultu...
read.dukeupress.edu/public-cultu...
Can anyone recommend a good career coach? (For my partner, thinking about a career change.)
November 6, 2025 at 6:50 PM
Can anyone recommend a good career coach? (For my partner, thinking about a career change.)
Ooh, I love the way this co-design approach is conceived as embedding engineers within frontline services.
(Even while advocating for co-design over user research, I usually think of bringing people into digital teams, which is obviously less powerful.)
Super interested to see how it works out!
(Even while advocating for co-design over user research, I usually think of bringing people into digital teams, which is obviously less powerful.)
Super interested to see how it works out!
November 6, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Ooh, I love the way this co-design approach is conceived as embedding engineers within frontline services.
(Even while advocating for co-design over user research, I usually think of bringing people into digital teams, which is obviously less powerful.)
Super interested to see how it works out!
(Even while advocating for co-design over user research, I usually think of bringing people into digital teams, which is obviously less powerful.)
Super interested to see how it works out!
Reposted by Jeni Tennison
There's just 1 week to go until we’ll be gathering in Birmingham for UKCharityCamp 2025, and we can't wait to see you there.
If you know a colleague that doesn’t yet have their ticket, the very last few are available here tr.ee/QCAnUecTXn
If you know a colleague that doesn’t yet have their ticket, the very last few are available here tr.ee/QCAnUecTXn
November 6, 2025 at 12:02 PM
There's just 1 week to go until we’ll be gathering in Birmingham for UKCharityCamp 2025, and we can't wait to see you there.
If you know a colleague that doesn’t yet have their ticket, the very last few are available here tr.ee/QCAnUecTXn
If you know a colleague that doesn’t yet have their ticket, the very last few are available here tr.ee/QCAnUecTXn
Reposted by Jeni Tennison
By my reading, it's hard to remember a more scandalous example of a social media company being negligent in their responsibility to users. It's so so bad, and deeper investigation and regulatory action must surely follow.
This piece suggests Meta is dragging its heels on reducing the (very large) number of scam ads on its services because they're concerned it will materially hurt revenue (the article estimates they make as much as $16bn a year from scam ads)
www.reuters.com/investigatio...
www.reuters.com/investigatio...
www.reuters.com
November 6, 2025 at 12:13 PM
By my reading, it's hard to remember a more scandalous example of a social media company being negligent in their responsibility to users. It's so so bad, and deeper investigation and regulatory action must surely follow.
Reposted by Jeni Tennison
"Universities are currently paying these SaaS providers and their investors twice, first with large subscription fees and again with access and aggregation power over large troves of data produced by members of their campus communities."
Matt maps an alternative pathway for edtech in HE here ⏬️
Matt maps an alternative pathway for edtech in HE here ⏬️
November 6, 2025 at 12:25 PM
"Universities are currently paying these SaaS providers and their investors twice, first with large subscription fees and again with access and aggregation power over large troves of data produced by members of their campus communities."
Matt maps an alternative pathway for edtech in HE here ⏬️
Matt maps an alternative pathway for edtech in HE here ⏬️
Reposted by Jeni Tennison
Looking forward to speaking at this in a couple of weeks, alongside a great panel.
Join us in Westminster for the launch of our new essay collection, marking a decade of Power to Change and the community business movement and looking ahead to the next 10 years.
In-person launch: 18 Nov, panel chaired by @anooshc.bsky.social.
Quick register: lnkd.in/l1k8w
In-person launch: 18 Nov, panel chaired by @anooshc.bsky.social.
Quick register: lnkd.in/l1k8w
November 6, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Looking forward to speaking at this in a couple of weeks, alongside a great panel.
Reposted by Jeni Tennison
Demos is leading the Waves project, trialling new technology in local democracy to bring people together to tackle contentious local issues and strengthen trust. Rewatch this #TICTeC 2025 session: youtu.be/-WZmFyxw06o?... #localgov #civictech
TICTeC 25 - Waves: trialling AI-powered digital deliberation to strengthen trust in local government
Speaker: Miriam Levin (Demos, UK)
Demos is leading the largest trial of digital democracy in the UK. Waves is a €1 million project trialling new technology in local democracy to bring people…
youtu.be
November 6, 2025 at 12:30 PM
Demos is leading the Waves project, trialling new technology in local democracy to bring people together to tackle contentious local issues and strengthen trust. Rewatch this #TICTeC 2025 session: youtu.be/-WZmFyxw06o?... #localgov #civictech
Chaos at the corner shop as contactless payments fail across all the tills. Commuters abandon lunchtime sandwiches. Harried workers make emergency calls and broadcast apologies. Old farts like me who actually carry cards or even (shock!) cash smugly bypass the queues.
Lessons for digital ID?
Lessons for digital ID?
November 6, 2025 at 8:58 AM
Chaos at the corner shop as contactless payments fail across all the tills. Commuters abandon lunchtime sandwiches. Harried workers make emergency calls and broadcast apologies. Old farts like me who actually carry cards or even (shock!) cash smugly bypass the queues.
Lessons for digital ID?
Lessons for digital ID?
Reposted by Jeni Tennison
The 2025 Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report was meant to “build a world-class curriculum for all.” In reality, it signals something quite different: the closure of curriculum reform in England. 🧵
November 5, 2025 at 10:08 PM
The 2025 Curriculum and Assessment Review Final Report was meant to “build a world-class curriculum for all.” In reality, it signals something quite different: the closure of curriculum reform in England. 🧵
Interesting reading this with a service designer perspective. Seems like there's obvious lessons about giving confirmations and expectation setting.
Does anyone know of research about how long you can leave it without communicating with someone before they start panicking they've been forgotten?
Does anyone know of research about how long you can leave it without communicating with someone before they start panicking they've been forgotten?
I found something strange on my back – and eventually I just couldn’t ignore it | Adrian Chiles
I found something strange on my back – and eventually I just couldn’t ignore it | Adrian Chiles
When I first discovered this vaguely troubling symptom, I embarked upon my tried-and-tested routine for dealing with such things: 1. Pretend it’s not there. 2. Acknowledge it is. 3. Convince myself it’s growing, writes Adrian Chiles
www.theguardian.com
November 5, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Interesting reading this with a service designer perspective. Seems like there's obvious lessons about giving confirmations and expectation setting.
Does anyone know of research about how long you can leave it without communicating with someone before they start panicking they've been forgotten?
Does anyone know of research about how long you can leave it without communicating with someone before they start panicking they've been forgotten?